HARWICH is known as the Gateway to Europe, thanks to its maritime tradition and easy links to the continent.

The continuing popularity of ferry travel has led to calls for Tendring to capitalise on the tourism.

The international port at Parkeston Quay welcomes passenger ferries from global companies, such as DFDS and Stena Line, transporting thousands to and from Holland and Denmark daily.

Cruise ships also regularly visit, but the problem is passengers arrive at Harwich and either take a coach or train, or hire a car, and effectively bypass Tendring, Colchester and often Essex in general.

So how can tourism bosses ensure north Essex does not miss out on this potentially lucrative market?

Barry Brown, Harwich mayor, said it was vital the town capitalised on the Olympics. For many people travelling to London 2012, it will be their first experience of the UK.

Mr Brown said: “We have to take every opportunity available and make as much from it as we can.

“It is constantly in mind. We are one of the official entry points for the Games and must be sure we are on hand to help visitors, even if they are here for only a short stay.”

Harwich has so much to offer, with its Redoubt Fort, Ha’Penny Pier, Electric Palace cinema and links to Samuel Pepys and the Mayflower ship.

Among plans to capitalise on the constant influx of tourists are an increase in buses from the ferry terminals to the town centre and sight-seeing expeditions.

But with many shops in the main shopping centre of Dovercourt empty, there are calls for a more concentrated effort to attract visitors and daytrippers.

The Balmoral, a luxury liner from Ipswich-based Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, was the latest ship to dock in the port as part of a ten-night tour.

The vessel, on a UK coastal trip, was welcomed into Harwich on Wednesday. Paul Davey, head of corporate affairs at Hutchison Ports, owner of Harwich International Port, said: “We are delighted Fred Olsen has decided to include the port in the Balmoral’s itinerary, to enable passengers to see more of this fantastic part of the country.”

The Balmoral can hold up to 1,350 people.

Stena Line has also boosted the number of passengers passing through the town, with the introduction of two superferries costing £375million.

The ships can carry 230 cars, 300 freight vehicles and have 1,376 beds on board.

DFDS, which runs crossings to Esbjerg, Denmark, recorded 94,000 passengers using its service in 2010. Its Dana Sirena ferry has the capacity to bring in 610 Scandinavian visitors, four times a week, during peak season.